News Archive - April 2012

Home secretary to end 'abuse' of family immigration rules

Theresa May, the home secretary, is due to introduce new UK immigration rules designed to end the "abuse" of the right to a family life.

The right is enshrined in the European convention on human rights and it permits foreign nationals to remain in the UK even if they breach rules or commit crimes due to the fact that they are permitted to stay close to their families.

However, Ms May has stated that the new rules to be introduced this summer will make it "absolutely clear" that regardless of these connections, those immigrants who commit a crime, break the rules or are unable to support themselves, will not be permitted to stay.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph she stated: "By the summer, I will have changed the immigration rules so that we can end the abuse of the right to a family life."

The home secretary added that she believes the moves will be "widely supported" by the government, noting: "Believe you me, I get as frustrated as anybody when I see somebody who should not be in this country remaining in this country."

The coalition government has already made significant changes to the UK immigration system. So far they have received mixed reactions, it remains to be seen what will happen when this round of changes is introduced.